Convair 240-53 N344MM

Summary

On 30 June 1997 at about 11:45 local time, a Convair 240-53 registered N344MM was involved in an accident near San Juan. 3 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 June 1997 at 11:45

Classification

Accident

Location

San Juan

Nearest airport

Luiz Munoz Marin Intl (SJU)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Convair 240-53

Registration

N344MM

Category

Airplane

Engines

2

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 125: 20+ Pax,6000+ lbs

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Santo Domingo

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL97LA093

1 person had minor injuries.

a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, the pilot's improper emergency procedure after the powewr loss, and the overloading of the airplane, resulting in an inability to maintain altitude and terrain clearance.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

After departing from runway 08, the airplane climbed to 400 feet above ground level (agl) where the left engine lost power. After confirming a loss of power, the pilot feathered the left propeller, and called for maximum 'dry' thrust on the right engine. Wet power was available which would have provided 450 additional horsepower, however, the pilot elected not to use it. The airplane was unable to maintain altitude, collided with a palm tree, and came to rest on the beach in the surf line. The reason for the left engine malfunction was not determined due to salt water damage. The airplane was 600 pounds over maximum weight.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.